The Pars players need only look at their manager’s CV for proof Scottish Cup success is attainable for them in Aberdeen and beyond.
Not only did he lift the trophy with Kilmarnock, he also played in two other national finals and missed out on a career fourth through suspension so when McIntyre speaks about cup football he knows what he’s talking about.
He said, “Scottish Cup matches are all about who deals best with the occasion on that given day from my experience. You only need to look at the clubs who have got to finals and semi-finals over the years to see that.
Ross County, Raith Rovers, Queen of the South, St Johnstone, Falkirk and ourselves have all got at least to the last four.
“From my own playing days I’ve got great memories of the competition. Obviously winning with Killie is something I’ll never forget, but it’s not about me now, it’s about my players making their own memories.
“I know that I’ve got good footballers, and Sunday is their chance to show everybody watching on live television what they can do. They should go out and enjoy it.Expectation”There’s greater expectation on Aberdeen, but privately we have our own ambitions as well.”
The timing of this fifth round fixture may be perfect for the Pars. Their first division title push has lost some impetus and a win at Pittodrie could serve a dual purpose.
McIntyre said, “The bottom line is that promotion is of course our main objective this season, but we want to get to Hampden as well.
“This match is a welcome break from a league that is very tough and it would give the players a lot of confidence if they could beat a good Aberdeen side and prove that they’re capable of competing at a higher level.
“We’re really looking forward to the challenge. We won there in the cup a couple if years ago and we want to do it again.”
Recent signing from Partick Thistle Liam Buchanan is cup-tied, while regular keeper Chris Smith is suspended as a result of his late sending off in their fourth round replay against Montrose.
McIntyre has made his choice between Kyle Allison and Greg Paterson to replace Smith but has decided not to make it public.